Downey McDonald’s

* McDonald’s announcement that it will build a “replica” of the historic Downey McDonald’s while abandoning the original is a totally unacceptable and outrageous response to preserving a landmark (Jan. 29).

A phony reproduction sacrifices the historical integrity of the world’s oldest McDonald’s, a National Register landmark built in 1953 as a model for “self-service” dining and the last of its kind anywhere.

Would it be OK to build a local replica of Hollywood’s landmark Chinese Theater and then demolish the original merely because the new one had a bigger snack bar and more parking? Certainly not. The same is true of the Downey McDonald’s.

This “replica” will have indoor seating and a drive-thru and be similar to many new “golden arch” prototypes.

McDonald’s: Why is restoring the original stand not a viable solution? And why can’t you see the value in retaining the last original piece of your own history that everyone else seems to recognize?

PETE MORUZZI

Chair, Modern Committee

Los Angeles Conservancy